In recent years, special attention has been paid in Uzbekistan to the geological study of the earth’s subsoil, in particular to the organization of geological exploration at deposits of non-ferrous and precious metals, as well as other mineral resources. To identify promising sites, several initiatives are being advanced to strengthen the country’s mineral resource base through scientific research and the creation of large-scale geological maps.
As is well known, scientific research, the expansion of international cooperation, and the introduction of advanced foreign experience play an important role in the development of the sector. It is noteworthy that young scientists of the country are actively conducting research in this field and making a worthy contribution to strengthening Uzbekistan’s position in geology and the mining industry, both at the national and international levels.
One of such specialists is a scholarship holder of the “El-Yurt Umidi” Foundation and an employee of the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Bekhzod Kholmurodov. In an interview with UzA correspondent, he spoke about the large-scale work being carried out in the sector and the results achieved:
– In the context of the large-scale reforms being implemented in our country, the mining and geological sectors are also developing at a steady pace. In particular, to bring geological exploration work to a new level and introduce modern technologies, the use of aerogeophysical methods and unmanned aerial vehicles has begun. This has enabled reductions in operational costs, shortened implementation time, and significantly increased efficiency.
Most importantly, a transparent mechanism for the use of the earth’s subsoil has been established, and the sector’s legislative framework has been improved. As a result, the country has become an important participant in the global mineral market, creating a solid foundation for international cooperation.
Strategic documents signed this year in Washington by the authorized agencies of Uzbekistan and the United States are of particular significance. These agreements have brought cooperation in this field to a practical level. In addition, the signing in September 2024 of a Memorandum of Understanding between the governments of the two countries on cooperation in the field of critical raw materials strengthened the institutional foundations of bilateral relations.
Today, strategic resources – critically important mineral raw materials and rare minerals – are gaining special significance for the global economy, industrial security, and the development of high technologies.
From this perspective, one of the priority areas in Uzbekistan has been defined as the development of the value chain based on the “upstream – midstream – downstream” principle, that is, the formation of a full technological cycle – from the extraction of raw materials to their processing and the production of finished products with high added value.
Investment and trade partnerships with global companies such as Traxys and Cove Capital have further strengthened the country’s strategic role in diversifying global supply chains. Such cooperation is aimed not only at resource extraction but also at a long-term economic strategy that supports the development of the mineral resource base through a high-value-added chain.
Based on the Memorandum of Understanding on investment cooperation signed by JSC Uzbek Technological Metals Plant and Cove Capital, deposits are being developed, and geological exploration is underway at new promising sites.
The agreement occupies a special place with the world’s leading manufacturer of heavy equipment, Caterpillar, and its official partner, Zeppelin Uzbekistan. Within this framework, joint programs are being implemented to supply modern equipment to the country’s mining enterprises, provide high-quality maintenance services, and localize component production.
The agreement with FLSmidth opens opportunities to increase the production capacity of the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Company and to introduce advanced technological solutions into the enterprise’s operations. At the same time, particular attention is paid to the localization of technological equipment, the organization of component production directly in our country, and the achievement of technological independence through the establishment of specialized service centers.
In the implementation of major projects, the involvement of international financial institutions is important. In this regard, negotiations and consultations have been held with leading U.S. financial institutions, including the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank). The implementation of such initiatives undoubtedly contributes to increasing the sector’s investment attractiveness.
The sector’s future development directly depends on the integration of science and high technologies. Within the framework of cooperation between the University of Geological Sciences and the Colorado School of Mines, strategic directions have been identified that open new opportunities for both sides. In particular, it is planned to establish a modern Competence Center specializing in identifying new deposits using artificial intelligence technologies under complex geological conditions, as well as introducing digital solutions and aerogeophysical technologies into the geological exploration process.
In addition, a cooperation agreement has been signed between the Uzbek Technological Metals Plant and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to provide online training for employees on the MIT Horizon platform. The program includes training specialists in modern digital and information technologies, smart manufacturing, automation, and sustainable and advanced technologies.
In conclusion, the widespread introduction of scientific, technological, production, and investment achievements will contribute to the innovative development of the country’s mineral resource sector and strengthen the competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s geological and mining industries at the global level.
Interviewed by Guzal Sattorova, UzA